The gingham trend has been raging on for a while – it’s now basically inescapable for summer. I was pretty set on this being another trend that I give a miss (in the same way I’ve avoided ruffles and big floaty sleeves like the plague). I’ve been making an effort to change my style to something a bit more grown up in the last few months, although my boss would probably disagree since I still turn up to work in jeans and a t-shirt everyday, and gingham didn’t seem to fit into that.

Then I spotted this dress in UO that couldn’t be more gingham if it tried. The ruched top half only seems to make it look more gingham! But with a weekend in Barcelona, hopefully a few days in Cornwall and a whole blissful week in Majorca coming up, it seemed like the perfect holiday dress. I wore it a lot in said weekend in Barcelona (check out the post here), the elasticated top half is perfect for not bothering with a bra (keeps everything where it should be!), the midi length makes it perfect for cities and the light floaty material makes it great for beaches and heat too.

I’m officially a gingham convert. I’m also clutching a Lime flavoured Calippo in these photos, and I’m starting a petition to bring them to the UK. SO GOOD! Let me know if you’re with me…

It’s been a fair while since I have a) posted anything on here and b) shared a few of my favourite inspirations. Today’s post is looking at a few more of my favourite bloggers – one’s I recommend you check out if you need a bit of inspiration. I shared a post similar to this a long long time ago, so long ago that I’m not even going to link to it! But since then I have also shared my favourite travel Instagrammers and favourite Instagrammers in general.

I have only recently started reading Lucy’s blog, but quickly fallen in love with her writing, her personal style and her fab trips abroad. It’s the kind of easy going style that is both at home in a city and a beach – the kind of style I wish I could pull off but somehow just can’t manage it with the same finesse. It’s nice to see someone incredibly natural, complete with salty, beachy hair, unpainted nails and a very fresh face. Her recent trip to Mexico has inspired a lot of travel ideas of my own.

Again a new comer for me, although I’m sure she’s been blogging for some time. Alice creates amazing fashion posts with such a great vintage, nostalgic feel to them. She inspired me to go rummaging in a few vintage shops again, and also introduced me to Sezane, the uber cool french brand where I now want a whole new wardrobe from.

Rose from The Londoner is someone who manages to embrace every single season so whole-heartedly. Look back at her posts from New England, US in the Autumn (or Fall) of last year to see what I mean by this. Rose’s writing style is almost fictional, she takes you on every moment of her trip, along with excellent recommendations. It’s also incredibly up to date, and by that I mean there is hardly any delay in her blog posts. If you look at her Instagram and see that she’s exploring Greece, then you can bet that the first blog post will be up in a matter of days.

These boys are really the ultimate travel bloggers. They seem to be flying off to a new destination every single week. The envy I have of their lifestyle is unreal! But they also provide such comprehensive information and inspiration on each destination, and in such an unpretentious way. They are what travel blogging is all about.

Let me know what blogs you’ve been following recently, there’s always so many more and there’s space for everyone out there.

I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of glasses since I was first prescribed them in Year 8. Back then my tastes leaned more towards the pink side and for a long time I was perfectly happy with the pink wire frames that I left the opticians with.

Then I favoured something a bit more brightly coloured and a blue and orange pair fit the bill.

Before long everyone’s glasses were big and square. Geek chic, it may have even been referred to and I wanted a piece of the action.

Finally when I was old enough the see sense I headed back to the opticians and followed their advice. Unfortunately I can’t say I was ever that happy with the frames I left with. Since I split my time between glasses and contact lenses, I found myself favouring the contacts more than ever before.

Ollie Quinn opened a shop on Park Street in Bristol recently and for anyone in need of new glasses or just something a bit more inspiring I suggest you head over there.

There’s something to suit everyone, in all colours and sizes. So much so I took a looong time trying to decide which ones to go for.

All frames cost £98, including the lenses and although they warn that it will be 1-2 weeks before they’re ready, I ordered mine and collected them within 4 days.

All you have to do is take a copy of your prescription with you (or email it if you can’t get into the store) and they take care of the rest.

My frames are the Rachel style and they come in a couple of different colours. I couldn’t be happier with them. Finally some optical delight for us four-eyes in the world!

I’ve been taking a long hard look at my wardrobe recently. I’ve been completely uninspired with everything in there and struggling to put outfits together that I actually want to wear, rather than just have to wear out of necessity.

I’ve been thinking a lot more about sorting out a sort-of capsule wardrobe, or at least one that has a good collection of items that all go together and are suitable for both work and weekend. After having a browse of some great, inspirational blogs, I have a much clearer idea of the look I’m going for and what I need to add to my spring wardrobe.

A blazer has been on my to-buy list for a while and while I’m still searching for the right one that will make me look more professional, but not corporate, I may well add one in a spring hue to tide me over. This powder blue suit is just perfect for this time of year, and you could even double it up as something to wear to events in the summer.

I absolutely love this monochrome outfit. Having a simple, minimalist style that still looks put together and as though you’ve made an effort is the ultimate dream for me. How quick would it be getting ready in the morning. This simple white coat is perfect for when the British weather forgets that it’s spring and turns chilly again.

Yes, my obsession with stripes continues. I honestly believe that I will never tire from a really good striped t shirt. I love this look – casual with the t shirt and jeans, but put together with the heels that also add a pop of colour.

A pair of white trousers or jeans are a must-have for spring/summer. They come back every year and are the perfect way to make your everyday wardrobe look brighter and fresher than the autumn and winter. I’m on the lookout for a the perfect pair of white kick flairs. It will be a bit of a step outside my comfort zone, but I’m really into this trend right now.

An all black outfit in spring? I know, I know. But as I’ve previously mentioned, the spring weather in the UK is not always sunshine and light. I love this simple look for days when you just have to get the tights out again. And again, I’m all about the speedy-ness of getting ready in the morning and you can’t deny how quick an all-black outfit is.

Pink is something that I’ve not really looked at twice for a very long time. Probably not since I was about fourteen and I painted my room in what I thought was a grown up, sophisticated pink that actually turned out to be more of a Barbie pink. What a mistake.

Wearing pink is again something I’ve avoided thanks to a sometimes particularly red face, be it that I’m embarrassed, I’ve had a glass (or sip…) of wine, or I’m just mildly warm, my face will show that to the world. So wearing pink directly below a pinkish/red face never seemed like a good idea.

Thanks to Pantone making Rose Quartz the colour of the year in 2016 it swiftly began popping up everywhere. Much to my dismay of course.

Finally, after a dodgy pink jumper purchase that makes me look even more washed out than usual, I have hit the jackpot. This ASOS cardi is the softest, warmest and fluffiest thing I have worn in a long time. The extra chunky cuffs just make it that bit better and poke out of coat sleeves in a very pleasing way.

Pale girls with sometimes red faces, the cause is not lost! Pink can be wearable and it seems my pink obsession has begun.